What is Access Control?

How Does Access Control Work? Access Control is the practice of monitoring and controlling access to a building or property using modern electronic means, as opposed to old-fashioned locks and keys. Lost, stolen or duplicated keys create a monumental challenge to the security of a facility and weigh heavily on maintenance costs, due to frequent re-keying. Not to be overlooked, are the legal challenges posed by users in possession of keys that have been duplicated without authorization.

Modern access control utilizes electronic credentials or biometric recognition to grant or deny access to a facility. This gives an administrator the immediate ability to add or remove entry privileges to any individual through the click of a computer mouse. Credential types may be simple keyfobs, credit card style access devices, mobile phone recognition, facial recognition, fingerprints, PIN numbers, and a host of emerging technologies.

Due to the opportunities enabled through a modern, computerized access control system, administrators are now able to control doors by time, privilege, access level and sensitivity of the space. No longer is access just relegated to anyone with a key, at any time. Furthermore, unusual situations and emergencies can be handled with a completely separate set of parameters that can be instituted at the click of a mouse, or activation of an emergency station.